ICC World Cup: India have match-winners, says South Africa coach

Melbourne: South Africa cricket coach Russell Domingo yesterday asserted his team's victory in all the three previous World Cup meetings against India will count for nothing when the two sides meet on Sunday in a Pool 'B' clash here.

Russell Domingo

South Africa have had the upper hand against defending champions at the World Cups, having beaten them thrice. Domingo, though paid very little heed to history and said they need to be wary of India's strong batting line-up at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

"Whatever has happened in the past in previous World Cups will count for very little on Sunday," he was quoted as saying by bcci.tv.

Domingo and Co were wary of India's potential in ODIs and felt the need to be on top of their game to topple the title holders. "We know India have got match-winners in their side. They had a tough tour Down Under but the World Cup is their priority now."

Not just KohliStaying put on India's strong line-up, Domingo said, "We obviously know that Virat Kohli has been an outstanding player for India over the last couple of years and his record is phenomenal. He is obviously a kingpin in their batting line-up," Domingo admitted.

"But guys like Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane too have been in great form this summer. We are not targeting any individual player. It's pretty much respecting the whole unit because you know that they have got match-winners right through their batting line-up," he added.